La Parilla

Jim and I just got back from a week vacation in Cancun, Mexico.  Cancun is, by far, our favorite place in Mexico to vacation.  The beach and ocean are incredible, the resort we stay at is awesome (The Royal Resorts), the food is great, and we get a chance to experience both vacation life and the culture of Mexico.

The strip in Cancun is filled with vacationers and is acquiring more and more chain restaurants, stores, and coffee shops we have in the United States.  While Jim and I do enjoy getting to go to Starbucks (an obsession that we take with us around the world), we love being able to get away, try something new, and experience more of the local culture.  La Parilla is just place! (Our favorite restaurant we visited on our honeymoon five years ago)!

Located in downtown Cancun, Mexico, La Parilla is easily reached by cab or bus.  We always choose to ride the bus because it is much cheaper and also another way to experience the people and culture of Cancun.  The first time we rode a bus in Mexico, a man with a mariachi-type voice and a mandolin nicely serenaded us.  (Tips expected!)  On this particular trip to Cancun, we had the pleasure of sitting next to two kids who got excited when we asked them their names in Spanish.

Downtown, La Parilla greets you with a funny bull on the sidewalk outside, colorful tiles, piñatas and flowers hanging from the ceiling, a quiet fountain, and the most friendly waiters you will ever find.  The staff at La Parilla takes a lot of pride in their restaurant, their food, and their service.

Because food always leaves quite the impression on us, Jim and I remembered what we ordered at La Parilla five years ago on our honeymoon.  We scanned the menu for the dish we never forgot and there it was, Mariachis, five different tacos.  The tacos come with different types of meat on La Parilla’s amazing, homemade corn tortillas.  (I could eat these tortillas plain and be completely satisfied for life)!  The tacos are served with grilled peppers and onions, guacamole from heaven, pico de gallo, and refried beans.  These tacos are amazing and give you a chance to try chicken, steak, and chorizo, which is a classic Mexican sausage.

If you are in Cancun, definitely take the time to head downtown to La Parilla.  Enjoy the culture, the atmosphere, and the Mariachi tacos.  Wash it all down with a bottle of Sol.

Travel Tips and Info:

• Unless you are a savvy Spanish speaker and are comfortable asking people downtown for directions, find out ahead of time how walk to La Parilla from the bus stop.
• The Mariachis will come to your table and ask if you want them to sing for you.  If you say yes, they will expect a tip.
• Try La Parilla’s newest location on 5th avenue in Playa del Carmen.
• Because you are in downtown Cancun, it is safest to order drinks that come in a bottle rather than water or drinks with ice cubes.  Many places in Cancun now have filtered water, but it is best to be on the safe side.
• Visit La Parilla’s Website.